| 章 |
| 31:1 |
The words of King Lemuel. An oracle that his mother taught him:
|
| 31:2 |
No, my son! No, son of my womb! No, son of my vows!
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| 31:3 |
Do not give your strength to women, your ways to those who destroy kings.
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| 31:4 |
It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to desire strong drink;
|
| 31:5 |
or else they will drink and forget what has been decreed, and will pervert the rights of all the afflicted.
|
| 31:6 |
Give strong drink to one who is perishing, and wine to those in bitter distress;
|
| 31:7 |
let them drink and forget their poverty, and remember their misery no more.
|
| 31:8 |
Speak out for those who cannot speak, for the rights of all the destitute.
|
| 31:9 |
Speak out, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.
|
| 31:10 |
A capable wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels.
|
| 31:11 |
The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain.
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| 31:12 |
She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life.
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| 31:13 |
She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands.
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| 31:14 |
She is like the ships of the merchant, she brings her food from far away.
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| 31:15 |
She rises while it is still night and provides food for her household and tasks for her servant-girls.
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| 31:16 |
She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.
|
| 31:17 |
She girds herself with strength, and makes her arms strong.
|
| 31:18 |
She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night.
|
| 31:19 |
She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle.
|
| 31:20 |
She opens her hand to the poor, and reaches out her hands to the needy.
|
| 31:21 |
She is not afraid for her household when it snows, for all her household are clothed in crimson.
|
| 31:22 |
She makes herself coverings; her clothing is fine linen and purple.
|
| 31:23 |
Her husband is known in the city gates, taking his seat among the elders of the land.
|
| 31:24 |
She makes linen garments and sells them; she supplies the merchant with sashes.
|
| 31:25 |
Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come.
|
| 31:26 |
She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
|
| 31:27 |
She looks well to the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness.
|
| 31:28 |
Her children rise up and call her happy; her husband too, and he praises her:
|
| 31:29 |
"Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all."
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| 31:30 |
Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
|
| 31:31 |
Give her a share in the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the city gates.
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